The 2018 NASCAR season is almost in the books, but many fans are already looking towards 2019. And, there’s good reason. NASCAR will see several changes in the upcoming season ranging from changes to the cars to drivers changing teams. The big news is that NASCAR, as a sanctioning body, is making in the setup and rules governing the Cup Series cars.
Fans have complained for years that they are getting tired of “follow the leader” races. Now, it appears that an early season test event was so successful that NASCAR is making a huge move to appease loyal fans. Here’s how things will be changing in 2019.
The 2019 Setup Rules in a Nutshell
The All-Star race, which was the test mentioned above, featured a rules package that limited horsepower and changed the downforce on Cup Series cars. The result was a race that is often considers “boring” by fans turned into a great event worth watching. NASCAR took notice and is making drastic changes to the 2019 cars. Don’t worry, to the average viewer, the cars will still look the same.
What’s changing is the fact that NASCAR is looking to slow the cars down by reducing horsepower and changing the downforce of the cars. Downforce is critical to how cars “stick” to the track at high-speeds. NASCAR hopes the changes will keep drivers from riding superspeedway and intermediate tracks at full speed when entering the turns.
There’s more to it than that, but here’s the overall goal. If the cars are slowed down and the aero package, aka downforce, is changed then drivers will be able to catch leaders and possibly make a pass! That’s the thinking. If the new 2019 package – which is very similar to the package used in the 2018 All-Star race – works… the next season could be one of the most exciting ones in recent memory.
Will the Changes Work on Every Track?
Nope, but there’s a reason. There are several versions of the rules package that will apply to certain tracks. The Superspeedways, Talladega and Daytona, will move from restrictor plate racing to tapered spacers which will change the throttle power for the cars. The downforce packages will vary from short tracks, to intermediate tracks as well as the superspeedways.
In truth, NASCAR has always had separate rule packages for the three types of tracks the series race on. The big difference this year is the big changes in horsepower and downforce. The goal is to allow the drivers to make passes.
More Driver Changes Coming?
You can bet on it! There are more changes coming, and so many have already been announced that I can’t list them all here. The biggest change so far for 2019 is that the Cup Series Champion for 2017, Martin Truex Jr, is looking for a new ride. His team, Furniture Row Racing, is shutting down after the end of this season. Speculation has him landing at a variety of teams next year.
What’s not changed is the fact that front running drivers such as Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, Ryan Blaney, Brad Keselowski, Joey Logano and others will still be with their current teams. So, the big names, will probably still be the drivers to beat next season.
Author info
Kent Whitaker – “The Deck Chef” Whitaker is the former winner of the Emeril Live / Food Network barbecue contest. He’s a culinary writer and cookbook author – his newest title is Great American Grilling. He also writes about College football, the NFL and NASCAR for several media outlets. Look for him online at www.thedeckchef.com.
NOTE: Mr. Whitaker does not work for this company, nor does he endorse any product on here. This article was a freelance submission.